Metallic prop



K. GERLACH METALLIC PROP Dec. 1, 1953 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 15, 1950 5, EMI l Q I i P l w L W K. GERLACH 2,661,180

METALLIC PROP 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 1, 1953 Filed Nov. 15, 1950 a HH K. GERLACH METALLIC PROP Dec. 1, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 15, 1950 jrzvemon' K1424 ga /101 K. GERLACH METALLIC PROP Dec. 1, 19 53 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 13, 1950 L a. w

Patented Bee. 1, 1953 UNITED s sArENT OFFICE The invention relates to metallic props of the type which comprise an inner and an outer member, which are movable relatively to each other to permit adjustment to different heights. Such props are referred to in the mining industry as stemples.

In connection with mine stemples of steel or aluminum it is known to make the inner stemple cooperate with a wedge which is carried along by friction or other special coupling means in order to attain a suitably rapid pressure resistance which must be maintained as evenly as possible upon seating of the wedge on the stemple lock or release of the coupling between the inner stemple member and the wedge. In this connection the sliding wedge has usually been supported in the pocket of the look by rigid abutments, particularly a locking and release element defined, for example, by a transverse key, to thus maintain the pressure increase obtained by the sliding wedge and the resultant strong horizontal forces for wedging the inner stemple in place. These strong horizontal forces naturally causea correspondingly heavy load on the locking and release element so that it may be removed only by application of considerable force. A further consequence of the great horizontal forces obtained by means of the sliding wedge is a considerable strain on the look construction which requires a well balanced distribution of the forces and precise engagement of the lock members exposed thereto so that excessive local stresses may be avoided.

The subject of the invention is a metallic mine stemple in which during its installation the inher stemple, which may have parallel walls or may also be slightly wedge shaped, carries a follower or sliding wedge along with it over a limited distance, preferably by means of a coupling and it is the object to achieve relief of the lock construction and easier withdrawal of that element against which the wedge is supported. The tapered conformation of the inner stemple when it settles results in increasing pressure against the sliding wedge inside the lock and thus the resistance againt further settling is increased.

In general this can be achieved in that the strong engagement forces in the stemple lock ob tained by carrying along the wedge over a short sinking distance, are distributed horizontally by way of an intermediate member which is directly or indirectly in engagement therewith and in which in accordance with the invention the wedge is supported at two rigid abutments which subdivide the horizontal forces, one of which is under the control of a locking and release element or is constructed to constitute such an element. This arrangement provides for the great horizontal forces obtained along a short insertion path by the sideways movement of the wedge to be only partly applied to that rigid abutment which serves as the locking and release element, while the other part is applied to a rigidly disposed inclined plane which extends likewise horizontally in the stemple lock or in the outer stem ple. In this connection the intermediate member may be arranged at the wedge side of the stemple lock for the direct support of the wedge. However, it is possible to visualize still other embodiments of the invention in which the inter- ;mediate member is arranged along the side of the stemple lock which is opposite the sliding wedge.

In this connection it is not necessary at the time of insertion of the lock key, when the stemple is placed, that also the resultant setting force be transferred to the lower inclined plane, because the high pressure which is characteristic of stemples of the sliding wedge type is obtained by the wedge shape of the sliding wedge which requires additional space, which pressure is distributed among both abutments in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with the invention a stemple with a sliding wedge is provided in which the large horizontal pressure derived from the effect of the sliding wedge is attained and sustained after brief sliding and in which this force is distributed in a predetermined and reliable manner, so that the locking and release element remains without load for the better removal without adversely affecting the pressure resistance. At the same time it may be sufiicient if the engagement of the lock members with the inclined plane of the lock or of the outer stemple is established by eliminating the play during the placing while the horizontal engagement pressure, i. e. the presetting of the lock which is necessary during placing is provided only within the tensioning range of the locking and release device.

The inclined plane arranged for the transfer of a part of the horizontal force from the intermediatemember to the lock or to the outer stemple may be disposed upon a pivotally arranged hearing which in View of its simple, reliable and pressure resistant construction makes possible a reliable adaptation and engagement of all parts to any particular position of the sliding wedge or the inner stemple. Besides it is possible by means of a rounded insert member provided in the sliding wedge, the lock or the outer stemple to provide compensation for manufacturing inaccuracies.

In accordance with the invention it is possible to arrange the abutment of the intermediate member outside of the actual stemple lock at the outer stemple proper, whereby a space saving, highly resistant and extremely simple lock construction as well as particularly favorable distribution of forces is achieved.

In order to achieve an evenly sustained initial position and an even pressure resistance of the sliding wedge in accordance with the primary object of the invention a spring rod disposed between the sliding wedge and the intermediate member may be utilized. By means of a novel conformation of the spring rod it is possible to attain step by step adjustment of the spring rod, which determines the distance between the sliding wedge and the intermediate member and thus the travel of the sliding rod which in turn controls the pressure resistance of such a stemple. By this control it is possible to adjust the pressure resistance of the stemple. It is furthermore possible in accordance with the invention to eliminate manufacturing inaccuracies which can adversely affect the path of travel of the wedge by coupling the sliding wedge with the intermediate member by a special locking means. Further advantageous particulars of the metallic mine stemple in accordance with the invention are shown in the attached drawings where the invention is explained with reference to various embodiments and where:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of the mine stemple in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the stemple in accordance with Fig. 1 with a cross section through the inner stemple,

Fig. 3 shows a side elevational view and a partial cross section of another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4 shows a side view and partial cross section of a further embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5 shows a still further embodiment of the invention in side elevational view,

Fig. 6 is a detail of another embodiment in side view and partial cross section,

Fig. 7 is a side View and partial cross section of a further embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross section of still another embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 9 is a cross section taken along the line IX-IX of Fig. 8.

In the drawing equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals, and in particular, I is the inner stemple which is preferably slightly tapered or wedge shaped, 2 is the outer stemple, 3 is the stemple lock supported on the outer stemple by welded scams, 4 identifies the sliding wedge, 5 is the locking and release element, and 6 is the intermediate member disposed between member 5 and the sliding wedge. 4a is the coupling which can be automatically disconnected and carries along the sliding wedge and embraces the inner stemple in the manner of a clamp, and which in view of its inclined position wedges itself automatically into position and compels the sliding wedge to move with it during the sinking of the inner stemple. At the end of the predetermined path of travel of the sliding wedge the coupling is automatically released in that the clamp 4a engages the upper edge of the outer stemple whereby its clamping effect with;

4 respect to inner stemple I is released by virtue of the fact that its inclined position is eliminated.

In the embodiment in accordance with Figs. 1 and 2 the intermediate member 6 is on the one hand under control of the locking and release element which has preferably a rounded back surface, while on the other hand it supports itself by way of an inclined plane I against a bearing support 8 at the outer stemple 2. The actual supporting plane of the inclined plane I at the support 8 is in the form of a rotatable calotte 9. In this manner and also by means of the rounded back surface of the locking and release element, full engagement of all parts is assured during the placing owing to the adjustability and adaptability of the intermediate member 6.

Inside of the intermediate member 6 a rod I1 is arranged which is under spring pressure and rests against the lower surface of a nose II on the sliding wedge 4 and which always returns this wedge to the same position both when the transverse key 5 is being released and during the setting of the stemple. The upward movement of the sliding wedge 4 is limited by the boss I2 on the sliding wedge and by the abutment I3 provided on the outer stemple, on the lock or on the intermediate member. The sliding wedge 4 proper is carried along by the inner stemple I either by the frictional effect of a special friction insert I4 or in addition also by a special releasable loading coupling la in the manner explained in particular in my United States patent application Serial Number 88,801 of April 21, 1949. The intermediate member 6 may also be arranged upon the side of the stemple which is opposite to the sliding wedge.

The strong wedging forces attained by the operation of the sliding wedge are transferred by way of intermediate member 6 and its inclined plane I to the bearing support 8 and only partly to the transverse key 5 which is thereby relieved of these forces to a considerable extent and may consequently be released with relative case.

As shown in the drawing, the bearing support 8 is provided outside of the actual stemple lock 3 directly upon the outer stemple 2 which results in a low and simple form of stemple construction.

In the embodiment in accordance with Fig. 3 the transverse key 5 is rounded along its engagement planes with the stemple lock and with the intermediate member 6 so that it may turn during the upward or downward travel of the intermediate member 6 (for example, during withdrawal). Besides it is disposed somewhat obliquely which results in a particularly simple form of the stemple lock 3 which is welded to the outer stemple 2 and in which the bearing support 8 is incorporated.

Fig. 4 shows a structural variation of the embodiment in accordance with Fig. 3. In particular, the stemple lock 3 includes two hoops l5 and I6 in a similar manner as in Figs. 1 and 2, which form a unitary structure and are welded to the outer stemple 2, and which also incorporate the support 8 which is likewise welded to the outer stemple 2.

In the embodiment in accordance with Fig. 5 the transverse key 5 has only a rounded engagement surface at its back side which rests in a corresponding recess in the stemple lock 3 While e calcite s is provided directly inside of the stemple lock which is formed by two hoops I5 and I6 which are welded to the outer stemple 2, as shown. Also here the possibility of adjustability of all parts of the lock is provided,

Fig. 6 shows how it is'possible in a simple manner to vary the path of the. sliding wedge and thereby the pressure resistance. By exchanging the smooth rod id with one having a shoulder, the path of the sliding wedge can be shortened because it is already limited by the shoulder of the rod it resting upon the upper edge of the intermediate member 5.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the intermediate member 6 is under control of a special turning member I8, which, on the one hand, is supported upon the transverse key and on the other hand, upon a pivot support l8 provided inside of the stemple lock With this form of construction the effectiveness is considerably improved by a different arrangement of the spring which, together with the rod is disposed below the lock 3.

In all cases an additional insert 20 maybe provided inside of the outer stemple 2 on the side opposite to the friction insert Hi. This insert may be rounded along the engagement plane with the inner stemplc or the lock or outer sternpie in direction parallel to the axis of the inner stemple to thereby overcome manufacturing inaccuracies and to make possible the adjustability of the lock and stemple members relative to one another. The abutments necessary for limiting the path of the sliding wedge may be provided upon the outer stemple l as well as on the lock which is welded to the outer stemple or on one of its parts, for example, intermediate member 5.

In the embodiment in accordance with Figs. 3 and 9 a friction insert 2!] is provided in the stemple lock 3 while the friction insert H3 is omitted. As shown in Fig. 9, the friction insert engages the stemple lock 3 with a rounded surface 25 and is secured there by means of two rivets 22 or other fastening means. Thus it is possible to first introduce the insert 28 in the stemple lock, then to insert the inner stemple I and only then to fasten insert is by means of rivets 22 after it has adjusted itself correctly with respect to the inner stemple l by virtue of its rounded surface 2i.

Furthermore, in the embodiment in accordance with Fig. 8 the stemple lock 3 consists of two rings forged in a die which may preferably be connected with one another by butt welding. The entire stemple lock 3 is also connected to the lower stemple 2 by butt welding. The hearing 3 is provided inside of the lower ring l5.

In this and a similar manner it is possible in accordance with the invention to provide a e sliding wedge type which not only ,aintaining the wedging forces produced, but also of reliable and even distribution of these forces among all lock and stemple members, thus effectively facilitating the placing or setting and the releasing.

Having thus described my invention with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings I claim:

1. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner stemple and adapted to be carried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending 6v transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in diiferent angular positions, wherein the position of one of said abutments is adjustable by said locking and release element.

2. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the. inner stemple and adapted to be car ried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horisontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in different angular positions, wherein one of said abutments is inherent in said locking and release element,

3. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner stemple and adapted to be carried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in diiferent angular positions. wherein the position of one of said abutments is adjustable by said locking and release element, wherein said sliding wedge derives support from an intermediate member which distributes the horizontal pressure and which is supported against said two rigid abutments, and wherein the other abutment is formed by an inclined plane disposed in said lock and by a corresponding plane on said intermediate member, said inclined plane being disposed upon a rotatable intermediate member constituted by one of said members having a curved back portion.

4. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple. an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner ,Stemplev and adapted to be carried aIong by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in different angular positions,

wherein the position of one of said abutments is adjustable by said locking and release element, wherein said sliding wedge derives support from an intermediate member which distributes the horizontal pressure and which is supported against two rigid abutments and wherein the other abutment is formed by an inclined plane disposed along the outer stemple and by a corresponding plane on said intermediate member, said inclined plane being disposed upon a rotatable intermediate member constituted by one of said members having a curved back portion.

5. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner stemple and adapted to be carried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a air of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in different angular positions, wherein the position of one of said abutments is adjustable by said locking and release element and wherein said sliding wedge derives support from an intermediate member which distributes the horizontal pressure and which is supported against said two rigid abutments and wherein a spring and a rod are interposed between said sliding wedge and said intermediate member.

6. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping reiationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner stemple and adapted to be carried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in diiierent angular positions, wherein the position of one of said abutments is adjustable by said locking and release element, wherein sliding wedge derives support from an intermediate member which distributes the horizontal pressure and which is supported against said two rigid abutments, and wherein the other abutment is formed by an inclined plane disposed in said lock and by a correspondin plane on said intermediate member, said inclined plane being disposed upon a rotatable intermediate member constituted by one of said members having a curved back portion, a friction insert member having a rounded surface being disposed adjacent said inner stemple whereby even engagement is obtained between said inner stemple and said sliding wedge to insure of even distribution of the pressure forces.

7. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner stemple and adapted to be carried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extend ing transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in difierent angular positions, wherein the position of one of said abutments is adjustable by said locking and release element, wherein said sliding wedge derives support from an intermediate member which distributes the horizontal pressure constituted by one of said members having a curved back portion, two rigid abutments and wherein the other abutment is formed by an inclined plane disposed along the outer stemple and by a corresponding plane on said intermediate member, said inclined plane being disposed upon a rotatable intermediate member constituted by one of said members having a curved pack portion, a friction insert member having a rounded surface being disposed adjacent said inner stem ple whereby even engagement is obtained between said inner stemple and said sliding wedge to insure of even distribution of the pressure forces,

8. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner stemple and adapted to be carried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in different angular positions, the position of one of said abutments being adjustable by said locking and release element, a first and a second intermediate member, said first intermediate member being adapted to support said sliding wedge and distribute the horizontal pressure among said two rigid abutments by way of said second intermediate member, said second intermediate member having a rounded plane in engagement with a corresponding plane of the locking and release element and a rounded plane in engagement with a corresponding plane of the lock.

9. In a stemple construction of the type comprising an outer stemple, an inner stemple which is preferably tapered and disposed in telescoping relationship to said outer stemple, a sliding wedge disposed longitudinally of and proximate one side of the inner stemple and adapted to be carried along by said inner stemple over a portion of its path of travel, and a lock secured to the upper end of said outer stemple and including a locking and release element extending transversely of said sliding wedge, means adapted to support the sliding wedge and to share the horizontal pressures thereof, said means including members disposed adjacent the top of said outer stemple, having curved back portions and presenting a pair of rigid abutments facing said sliding wedge in different angular positions, the position of one of said abutments being adjustable by said locking and release element, a first and a second intermediate member, said first intermediate member being adapted to support said sliding wedge and distribute the horizontal pressure among said two rigid abutments by Way of said second intermediate member, said second intermediate member having a rounded plane in engagement with a corresponding plane of the locking and release element and a rounded plane in engagement with a corresponding lane disposed along the outer stemple.

KARL GERLACH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 5 2,445,543

Number Name Date Thines July 20, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Apr. 7, 1948 Great Britain Oct. 2'7, 1948 

